Executive Director – Texas

ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CENTER
The Armand Bayou Nature Center is a private nonprofit organization supported primarily by the public. ABNC preserves and manages approximately 2,500 acres of prairie, forest, and wetland habitat surrounding Armand Bayou in Pasadena, TX (suburban Houston). Established Found in 1974, ABNC offers many opportunities for visitors the residents of the greater Houston area to “reconnect with nature” through guided excursions weekend activities, educational programs for children and adults, environmental preservation volunteer events, scouting activities, and hiking over 5 miles of trails through the various ecosystems.
Title of Position: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Reports to: President and Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
Supervises: Nature Center Staff
Job Summary:
The Executive Director is the chief executive officer for the Armand Bayou Nature Center and has broad authority to lead the operations of the Nature Center to achieve its mission and goals. Primary responsibilities include strategic leadership and planning; philanthropic resource development and fundraising; stakeholder relationships and communications, public relations; and Center and resource management/administration. The Executive Director manages an annual budget of roughly $1,000,000.
Scope and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Planning
• Work closely with the Board and key stakeholders to set the vision for the Center’s future. Define policy and direction for the organization that articulates the vision and mission of the organization.
• Lead, develop and manage activities and programs to implement strategic plans, goals and operating priorities; evaluating and measuring results and revising strategies as necessary.
• Manage operations and improvements; ensure that activities are consistent with governing documents, state and federal laws, and nature center policies.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with key strategic stakeholders, such as community leaders, Center constituents, the ABNC Foundation, donors, partners, and local government.
• Develop and manage the operating budget and other fiscal resources.
Philanthropic Resource Development and Fundraising
• Establish fundraising goals, measure success, and monitor progress of fundraising campaigns and grant projects. Represent the Center and the interests of its donors while working closely with the Board and the Foundation to prioritize and plan capital projects.
• Supervise the release of funds for capital projects, ensuring their appropriate and fiscally responsible use
• Develop a plan to increase and sustain membership.
Stakeholder Relationships and Communications, and Public Relations
• Understand and support the role of the Board, regularly communicate with the Board about matters of policy, finance, and progress toward goals. Work in cooperation with Harris County Precinct 2, the Board of Directors and ABNC Foundation.
• Work with the Board President and Executive Committee to utilize the time and talents of Board members to effectively advance the mission of the organization. Manage and coordinate relevant activities with the ABNC Board of Trustees and ABNC Foundation.
• Work with the board to collaborate on fundraising projects, improve core services, and review budget performance.
• Serve as liaison to community organizations, local businesses, foundations, major donors, Government, and corporate and educational institution partners.
• Serve as the key public spokesperson and representative for the Center and develop a leadership position within the educational/scientific/cultural community.
• Effectively develop and maintain the Center’s visibility through media channels, speaking engagements, and participation in associations that align with the strategic vision of the Center.
• Develop key messages about the organization and its goals and ensure information is appropriately disseminated.
Center and Resource Management/Administration
• Lead staff and volunteers in the operation of the nature center according to the mission, vision, goals and values through strong, creative and energetic leadership while establishing and maintaining clear patterns of authority, responsibility, supervision, and communication.
• Direct staff activities, manage monthly expense and income sources, and manage facility and natural resources. Recruit, develop, supervise, and evaluate performance for staff.
• Maintain official records and documents, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Ensure that center operates as a not-for-profit business in accordance with IRS 501(C)3 regulations and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), taking responsibility for developing and maintaining sound management principles.
• Develop an annual budget in conjunction with the Board Treasurer, overseeing our commitment to meeting the budget and working closely with the Finance Committee to ensure best practices in financial management.
• Effectively manage organizational risks, minimizing legal and financial liabilities.
Salary and Benefits
A competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience. Benefits include major medical insurance, life insurance, vacation and sick leave.
The ABNC Board of Trustees expects to fill this position in Spring 2018. Please email resumes to the ABNC Board of Trustees president at boardpresident@abnc.org.

Qualifications

Five or more years of experience as a senior manager responsible for financial management, including forecasts, budgets, and cost control.
• Bachelors’ degree required, advanced degree preferred in a relevant field. Experience with public relations, fiscal management, facilities management, and general team building is essential
• Evidence of strong leadership experience and the ability to inspire staff, volunteers, and Board Members to achieve results. Demonstrated passion for and understanding of the major environmental issues related to the mission of Armand Bayou Nature Center.
• Experienced and successful fundraiser who can oversee annual capital campaigns, and who is comfortable with and eager to participate in the solicitation of major gifts. Experience in fundraising in a nonprofit organization, preferably an organization that is supported by major individual gifts.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups of stakeholders
• Proven knowledge of fundraising, grant writing and management, ability to oversee effective grant development and management
• Demonstrated familiarity with nonprofit management, reporting, finance and operations.
• Ability to speak publicly and communicate effectively with a variety of constituents and stakeholders including elected officials, foundation leaders, Board members, donors, staff, volunteers, and Center visitors.